Stores urged to close for hour in solidarity with Jerusalem

AMMAN — President of Amman Chamber of Commerce Issa Murad has called on the commercial sector to close down their stores on Sunday from 12 noon until 1pm in solidarity with Jerusalem. 

In a post he shared on his Facebook page, which was later shared by media outlets, Murad said the step is taken in protest against the decisions by US President Donald Trump to move the American embassy to Jerusalem and to recognise it as the capital of Israel. 

Trump’s decision, which was officially announced on Wednesday, triggered protests and condemnations across the world, especially in Palestine. 

Thousands of Jordanians took to the streets of Amman on Friday, to protest against the decision. 

Despite taking part in the campaign, Ahmad Abu Al Rish, one of the oldest vendors in downtown Amman, said he does not have much optimism over its positive impact. 

“I will do anything to show support to Palestine, but the period of closure is very short. Stores should close for the whole day if they want to send a strong message,” he told The Jordan Times. 

The Foodstuff Traders Association (FTA) President Khalil Haj Tawfiq said Friday’s mass demonstration already sent a strong message against the American president’s decision. 

“The commercial sector should unite and urge their peers in the Arab world to join in and send a strong message to the US commercial sector that they are all opposing this step,” he added. 

Tawfiq said the commercial sector’s message should highlight the negative consequences that will affect the US commercial sector within the Arab region following the decision. 

“They should know that the recent decision will transform Jerusalem from a city of peace into a city of violence,” he said.